Master's in nursing programs
Pursuing an online master's in nursing can lead to specialized career opportunities with higher earning potential.
Explore MSN programs
Why earn an online master's in nursing?
Higher earning potential
Nurses with MSN degrees have the potential to earn six-figure salaries.
Qualify for certification and licensure
Accredited programs prepare students for the advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) licensure or other certification exams.
Expanded scope of practice
Develop skills for patient assessment, diagnosis and treatment, specialized care, informatics, and leadership.
Browse accredited master's degree in nursing online programs
What jobs can you get with an online MSN program?
As a graduate of an online master's in nursing program, you can apply for roles such as nurse practitioner (NP), clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse midwife, nurse educator, or nurse administrator.
Within these roles, you can specialize in neonatal care, oncology, and geriatric care. in hospitals, clinics, the public sector, private practice, educational institutions, and community health centers.
APRNs have expanded responsibilities that include examining, diagnosing, and treating patients; ordering diagnostic testing; prescribing medications; and managing patient care.
As an APRN, you may work independently or collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to enhance patient care.
Board certification and state licensure ensure that APRNs maintain high professional standards. To apply for APRN licensure, you must complete an accredited MSN program, pass a national certification exam in your specialty, and meet state-specific requirements.
Salary expectations for MSN-prepared nurses
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that nurse midwives, nurse anesthetists, and nurse practitioners earned a median annual salary of $132,050 in 2024.
Specialization, certifications, and clinical experience can boost earnings for high-demand professionals like NPs. Salaries may be higher in urban areas, and compensation may vary between private practice and hospital settings.
Career outlook for MSN-prepared nurses
The BLS projects that job opportunities for APRNs will grow by 40% from 2023 to 2033, which is much faster than the average 4% for all occupations. Additionally, the organization projects 31,900 job openings per year for nurse midwives, nurse anesthetists, and NPs over that time period.
Some of the largest employers for APRNs include:
- Hospitals
- Outpatient care centers
- Offices of physicians and other health practitioners
- Educational services
The BLS identified that a focus on preventive care, the healthcare needs of our aging population, and changing laws governing APRN practice authority may drive the demand for MSN graduates in the coming years. As laws pertaining to APRNs evolve, they may be able to offer a wider range of services, which could increase the demand for their expertise.
Accreditation for MSN programs
Accreditation ensures the MSN program meets rigorous academic and professional standards, which are essential for licensure, certification, and employment. The accreditation process involves a thorough evaluation of a nursing program's curriculum, faculty qualifications, student outcomes, and institutional support to ensure it meets established quality standards.
Verify the program is accredited by organizations like the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Accreditation is required for eligibility for federal financial aid and ensures the degree is recognized by state licensing boards and employers nationwide.
What can you learn in an online master's in nursing program?
In an online master's in nursing program, students and leadership skills, often tailored to specializations like nurse practitioner, nurse educator, or nurse administrator. To learn more, prospective students should visit the official program websites, attend virtual info sessions, contact admissions counselors, and read the program's accreditation and curriculum details.
Online master's in nursing programs offer flexibility, advanced training, and for registered nurses. Understanding key program features can help you choose the right fit and prepare for success.
What to look for in an online master's in nursing program
- Support services: Consider programs that offer academic advising, tech support, career counseling, and virtual libraries to support your success and engagement.
- Specializations: Your program should include specific track, such as for nurse practitioners, nurse educators, or nurse administrators, that you need to meet career goals and certification requirements.
- Cost and financial aid: Program costs vary, but federal loans, scholarships, and employer tuition reimbursement are widely available for accredited MSN programs. Always check .
- Clinical opportunities: All MSN students must complete in-person clinical hours at approved local facilities. Consider whether the program helps you find clinical placements to meet licensing and certification standards.
- Online and hybrid options: Since programs may be fully online or hybrid, consider your ability to attend occasional campus visits or on-site simulations for hands-on skill development.
- Student-to-faculty ratio: Smaller class sizes improve your access to faculty and personalized learning. Look for programs that publish data on the student-to-faculty ratio to help you gauge the level of academic support you can expect.
- Faculty qualifications: Determine if the instructors hold doctoral degrees and bring clinical, academic, and leadership experience to their roles, enriching your education.
Admissions requirements for an online master's in nursing
Admissions requirements for online MSN degree programs vary. Traditional programs require applicants to have a BSN. Bridge programs require the completion of an associate degree in nursing (ADN). Direct-entry master's degree programs require applicants to have a non-nursing bachelor's degree and have finished prerequisite coursework.
Other requirements for an online MSN degree typically include:
- Official transcripts
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Active RN license
- Résumé or CV
- Letters of recommendation
- Standardized test scores, if applicable (e.g., GRE or TOEFL)
- Statement of purpose
- One to two years of clinical experience
Direct-entry master's programs do not require an active RN license or nursing experience to apply. However, students must pass the NCLEX-RN after their first year of school in order to begin the graduate-level coursework and practicums that MSN degree programs require.
Frequently asked questions
Last updated June 11, 2025